Suspicious Vessel Runs Aground/Occupant Escapes

Tuesday, November 11 – Officers of RVIPF and Customs are looking for a man who ran a boat aground in Freshwater Pond area last night and fled the scene to escape being detained.

U.S. Custom and Border Protection agents reported that around 5:45pm they attempted to intercept the vessel with the lone occupant in the vicinity of Cookie Point, St. Thomas and a high speed chase at sea subsequently ensued. The chase continued along the St. John coast line and into the territory’s waters.

The operator of the vessel then turned into West End and was chased to the Freshwater Pond area where he subsequently ran the vessel aground.

Agents saw a lone occupant described as black, about 5ft 8in, 230 lbs, with dreadlocks, wearing a white t-shirt and dark short pants leaving the boat and running on foot.

The abandoned vessel is a white Renegade powerboat with two gray Mariner offshore engines attached to its stern. A quantity of US currency was found onboard the vessel.

The vessel now forms part of the investigation.

Anyone with information that can assist in locating the operation of this boat is asked to call the RVIPF three-digital access number 311 or Intelligence Unit at 468-9339. Persons can also call the Crimestoppers based in Miami 800-TIPS or 800-8477 and report this information anonymously.